Student Financial Aid
Application Process
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, www.fafsa.ed.gov). There is no fee required. Be sure to include UTC and its Title IV code, “003529” in the appropriate section of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
- An institutional information form is required of all students. This document may be obtained from the UTC Financial Aid Office.
- A student verification form, appropriate federal tax returns, and W2 forms may be requested. These documents should be submitted only if requested.
- Other forms may be required to complete the application process. Return all requested forms as soon as possible.
Award Process
The award process occurs 4-6 weeks following receipt of all requested forms.
- Financial Aid Office awards aid for student and sends student a “Financial Aid Notification” award letter.
Check Authorization and Disbursement
Normally funds for students are authorized by the UTC Financial Aid Office and disbursed by the UTC Bursar’s Office.
- Disbursement of Stafford Loans occur during designated fee collection days or as soon thereafter as possible. First-time borrowers at UTC must complete an entrance interview in order to receive loan funds. First time freshmen loan proceeds will be disbursed 30 days after the first day of classes.
Refund Process
Refund Process For Title IV Federal Student Financial Aid Students who receive Federal Title IV assistance will be subject to a different refund calculation if they withdraw from all classes. Students who withdraw during the first 60 percent of the term will have a refund calculated under the Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy. The percentage of the refund will equal the percentage remaining in the term at the time that the student withdraws.
All refunds caused by a student withdrawing from classes will be returned to the appropriate financial aid account(s) or lender in the case of student loans. Refunds will be credited/returned, within 30 days, to the appropriate student financial aid program(s) in the order listed:
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
- Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Federal Plus Loan
- Federal Pell Grant
- FSEOG
- Other SFA Programs
- Other federal, state, private, or institutional sources of aid
- The student
Note: UTC reserves the right to bill the student for any return of Title IV refund amount that exceeds the university’s published institutional refund policy.
Repayments
Students who receive federal student financial assistance funds in excess of their direct cost (i.e. maintenance, tuition, room) may be required to repay funds to certain Title IV programs.
- Federal Pell Grant
- FSEOG
- Other SFA Programs
- Other federal, state, private, or institutional sources of aid
General Refund Information
Students who stop attending classes prior to the completion of the term should read carefully the information on unofficial withdrawals. All refund/repayment calculations are completed within 30 days of the official withdrawal date, and all funds are returned to the appropriate programs.
Students must present their official withdrawal/drop forms in person to the Office of Student Financial Aid to commence the withdrawal process. In the event this is not plausible, the student must communicate the circumstances surrounding their inability to present the required form. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the University applying its own administrative procedures for determining the unofficial withdrawal date.
All questions, concerns, or appeals of refund/repayment decisions should be addressed to: Director of Financial Aid, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, v615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598.
Information and Assistance
The Financial Aid Office provides assistance with the financial aid application process and financial budgeting. Also, students or parents may request a review of the determination of the student’s need and award. For applications and further information on financial aid, call or write the UTC Financial Aid Office, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403, (423) 425-4677.
